Downsizing Blog
Repeal Local Restrictions to Revive Economy
The restaurant industry has been hit hard by the health crisis and recession.
Federal Aid Creates Central‐Planning Power
The Trump administration is threatening to cut federal aid to cities that do not follow its approach to policing and civil unrest.
Federal Aid Dwarfs the Fall in State Tax Revenues
The Wall Street Journal published a news story suggesting that public schools face ruin without more federal aid.
Inequities in Public Transit
The transit industry has developed two systems: one for “choice” riders and one for “dependent” riders, “that is to say white and Black,” says urban planner Christof Spieler.
Government Infrastructure
According to frontline politicians, “now” is always the right time, economically speaking, for governments to invest heavily in infrastructure.
Stimulus Didn't Stimulate
Faced with an escalating pandemic in March, the President and most governors did not want to “stimulate” the private economy.
Spin in WSJ Budget Story
The Wall Street Journal has published a biased news story regarding state budgets.
No More State Aid
In response to the crisis, federal policymakers have passed a series of aid packages providing hundreds of billions of dollars to state and local governments.
Public Transit Is Second‐Class Transportation
Urban transit is one of the most heavily subsidized industries in this country.
What We Know, and Don’t Know, About Portland and the DHS
In recent days the Department of Homeland Security has dispatched federal law enforcement officers to Portland, scene of more than 50 consecutive nights of protests, which have regularly included damage to the federal courthouse and other major buildings.